When Worlds Collide, Shadow Wrestles LightSeventeen-year-old Cera Marlowe wants a normal life; one where she and her mom can stop skipping town every time a disturbing vision strikes. But when a girl she knows is murdered by a monster she can’t explain, Cera’s world turns upside down.Suddenly thrown into an ancient supernatural battle, Cera discovers she’s not alone in her gifting and vows to use … alone in her gifting and vows to use her visions to save lives. But why does John Milton’s poem Paradise Lost keep interrupting her thoughts?
In a race against time and a war against unearthly creatures, will decoding messages embedded in the works of classic literature be enough to stop the bloodshed and protect those she loves?
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Mortal Sight was a great YA urban fantasy. I was fully invested from the very beginning. It grabbed me and didn’t let go. The fast pace didn’t let up but just kept building. The intrigue and mystery surrounding Cera’s “visions” were so compelling.
Cera was the kind of character who was easy to root for. She’s dealt with a lot in her life, but every time she got knocked down she got right back up again and fought even harder. She’s fierce, kind, and giving…most of the time. She’s also the typical teenager, too, with an attitude that could sometimes get on my nerves. It was quite the combo, lol. I’d go back and forth between wanting to scream at her in frustration and then wanting to give her a big hug because I was so proud of her.
As soon as I finished this book, I rushed to my computer to preorder the sequel, Realms of Light. I’m very eager to find out what happens next. If you’re a fan of YA and/or urban fantasy, I recommend giving this book a try. It was so good.
I loved the classic literature thrown in and amongst the storyline. This is a fast-paced read that’s going to rivet you until the last word. Good thing it’s going to be a series because it makes you want to keep reading.
Many books in this genre I read just so I can know for sure if it’s an okay book for my teenage daughter to read. We’re picky about what we allow our children to read as it will stay with them as they grow.
So, would I let my daughter read this book? Yes, I would. In fact, as soon as I finished it she gave it a read. Her words when done were where is the next one? That’s the problem with books in series. You’re left waiting and wanting unit the next one comes out. And then, if you’re like me you have to reread the first one because you don’t want to miss a thing!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
This story is an interesting look at a world where a seventeen year old girl has gifts she can’t explain. Her mother knows what’s going on with her daughter but is keeping it from her. Every time Cera has a vision it comes true. I though it was strange that her mother wanted to run each time Cera had these visions.
Cera suddenly is thrust into a dark world that is different from anything she has ever witnessed. These people know she has a gift but I think Cera was fighting it a bit. She wanted to be something she was not gifted as and I wanted her to embrace what was placed in her trust. This poem kept coming up in the story called Paradise Lost by John Milton. I needed to know what this poem was about so I looked it up. I know it was important to this story and my curiosity had me finding the answer. The poem is about the The Fall of Man. It deals with the disobedience of Adam and Eve. The poet wanted to show how man fell and disobeyed God. It opened the door for satan to come in.
After learning this I had to know why Cera kept repeating this poem and what significance it was to her and her vision. The author really grabbed my attention with this mystery of a poem and I couldn’t wait to see where the story would travel to. Cera is in for the fight of her life as her visions become clearer and she has to act on them. The full meaning of the poem will come to light and it brings Cera peace and also knowledge that she will be hunted by those who want to stop her from seeing visions and stopping destruction. There is definitely a spiritual warfare going on and and her friends are in the middle of a battle that has been going on for centuries. The story kinda kept me wondering what happens next so I hope the next book comes out very soon.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
“Hesperian is the closest to family I’ve ever felt. I want to do whatever it takes to keep them safe. No matter the cost.”
Sandra Fernandez Rhoads’ “Mortal Sight” is a fantastic example of why as readers we should step out of our comfort zones once in a while and try something new. Fantasy is not one of my preferred genres, generally speaking, although I will say that this year it is starting to grow on me a bit after reading several incredible books, and when I realized that this particular story is urban fantasy, I confess that I groaned. I am all country; the city holds no appeal for me whatsoever, and now I was faced with a tale that was not only metropolitan but also fantasy? As far as I can recall, this is the first work of urban fantasy that I’ve ever read, and to my surprise, I not only enjoyed it, I loved it!
Had I not known that this was a debut novel, I never would have guessed. Rhoads captures the emotional angst of teenagerhood and builds a fascinating and unique world, a second realm where evil creatures roam. “Mortal Sight” is narrated by main character Cera Marlowe, about to turn 17 at the book’s opening, whose mother keeps her away from people and moves them annually. When Cera runs into Maddox one fateful day, the truth about who and what she is changes her life forever, demonstrating that we all have gifts and talents, whether we realize it or not. Each person has their own skills, and as this novel teaches, we need to use the gifts we’ve been given and not be jealous of or covet what others have.
While not overtly Christian, “Mortal Sight” is a clean young-adult novel that is also fitting for older readers as well. John Milton’s “Paradise Lost” figures prominently in this story, forming a foundation for Rhoads to build upon her in her own twenty-first century way. There is a very clear connection to spiritual warfare and what we see and what we do not. I was engrossed from the very first page and did not want to put this book down! I recommend it to those looking for a clean book that will keep you captivated from the very first page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.